LEARN’s Support for the Challenges of COVID-19

With the spread of COVID-19, Lanka Education and Research Network (LEARN) is taking active measures to reduce the risks to the staff while maintaining services to the NRENto the National Research and Education Network (NREN) community and provide uninterrupted connectivity to students, and academic, research and supportive staff of research and education institutions in Sri Lanka.

Even though the institutes are closed for physical access, LEARN is providing all the necessary tools to access learning and research curriculums online, allowing remote working for an extended period with minimal disruption to operations.

LEARN staff is currently working from home and practising social distance as per the instructions of the Government of Sri Lanka. The services for member institutes are being provided as usual with the TAC support when necessary.

All the workshops, seminars and events have been cancelled or postponed until further notice to ensure the safety of the community. The universities, higher education and research institutes are closed as per the government decision, the academic community is encouraged to access their respective academic platforms through your home networks.

University LMS and remote learning facilities can be used to distribute and access course materials. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and Telecommunication Regulatory of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has come to an agreement with network providers in Sri Lanka to provide free access to University LMS for the academic community during this period. LEARN is working its implementation as we speak.

Further, ZOOM Video Conferencing facility is available for the respective member institutes. LEARN is happy to support the institutes in conferencing through ZOOM when needed. We are also aware that some of the higher education institutes have not enforced technology-based education, and therefore we suggest that it is the best time to take actions in this regard. LEARN is pleased to support the members in providing technical assistance and services at its capacity.

LEARN has started discussions with the respective bodies in providing its services to medical and research institutes currently in fighting against COVID-19. We will do our best as the NREN of Sri Lanka at this critical time. Meanwhile, we advise the community to follow the government recommendations regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

LEARN office will be opened once the Government of Sri Lanka declares it is safe to do so. Until that, the staff will be available online and can be reached through email, ZOOM, phone and other widely used social media platforms.

If you have any questions about these measures and LEARN services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Lanka Education and Research Network wishes everyone in the community, and your families, the best of health during this challenging time.